If you're in the market for a large plasma television, Costco has a pretty good deal in store. Yesterday, I picked up a Samsung PN64E533D2 for 1049.99 in store after the instant 200 dollar manufacturer rebate.

This TV is a warehouse model that appears to be a pared down PN64E550 that lacks the 3D, smart TV functions, and cinema mode of its more expensive brother.

I have no interest in 3D, and use an AVR for all my HDMI inputs, so this was the perfect deal for me. Added the 100 dollar Squaretrade warranty they sell in store, bringing my total coverage to 5 years.

The local Costco warehouse in Northern Idaho also had a 60 inch LG plasma for 799.99 after 300 IR, as well as the Panasonic 55UT50 for 750 after IR which I had intended on purchasing originally. It is worth checking out what your Costco is selling!

Edit: Dropped the YMMV off the title as this seems to be all Costco stores.

Any members who can comment on how well Samsung Plasmas hold up long term?

I have two Panny Plasmas which have been rock solid over 4+ years. This is a tempting upgrade over our 50" Panny.

Thank you.

Eddie

Bought a 58" Samsung plasma two years ago---loved the picture quality.
At the beginning of the third year it developed the "pink-purple banding" issue on bright screens.
Squaretrade tech people took one look at it and said the screen is shot--it was a known problem. Squaretrade paid me full purchase price no questions asked.
I'm going Panasonic this time. Glad I had the Squaretrade warranty.

This is a tough call as dropping 2 large for a 65" Panny just ain't in me and this seems like it might be worth the gamble with the Squaretrade Warranty. Even after tax and warranty, this will be about $700-800 cheaper than a Panny.

This is a tough call as dropping 2 large for a 65" Panny just ain't in me and this seems like it might be worth the gamble with the Squaretrade Warranty. Even after tax and warranty, this will be about $700-800 cheaper than a Panny.

Eddie

With Costco, you do have 90 days to return the television. You should have a pretty good idea if you like the TV by then.

Fair warning, this TV won't fit in many vehicles. I had to call in a favor from a truck owner to get this thing home. My SUV had zero chance of it fitting.

I too had some concern about going plasma, as I bought a 50 inch Samsung for my parents two years ago and it developed a red cloud of distortion that grew over time. The problem was resolved, however, by a simple firmware update that I could do myself. In comparison, my three year old LG will not let me update the firmware without a technician.

This Thread is more than 755 days old. It is very likely that it does not need any further discussion and thus bumping it serves no purpose.If you still feel it is necessary to make a new reply you may do so.
I am aware that this Thread is rather old but I still want to make a reply.

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